Shoot-outs the norm in Indianapolis

by Mike Wallin
November 16, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)

Thirteen games into the 2002-2003 Central Hockey League season and already the Indianapolis Ice have played in seven overtime games. Six of the extra frame contests have needed a shoot-out to be decided. Unfortunately for the Ice, Indianapolis has won just two of their shoot-out games.

"There is so much parity in this league," said Ice netminder Shawn Silver. "On any given night, any team can beat anyone."

While the Ice are earning a single point in the standings for their shoot-out losses, the points not gained could prove costly come playoff time. With a 4-4-5 record, the Ice have accumulated 13 points. Playing .500 hockey in the CHL this year will probably not be enough to qualify for the post-season.

"We have to start putting together games where both our offense and defense are playing well," said Ryan Aikia. "So far, it has been our goaltending that has earned us a point a night. It's time for the rest of the team to start burying the puck in the net and eliminating breakdowns in our own zone."

Scoring has been the biggest problem for the Ice this season. Indy has scored three or more goals in just three of their games. Only Jason Baird (8G) and Kevin St. Jacques (8G) have lit the lamp on a regular basis. The clubs second line has been almost non-existent on the score sheet.

"We have to get more scoring throughout the lineup," said Andrew Taylor. "We can't rely on two guys to carry us offensively."

WEEK GONE BY

The Amarillo Gorillas invaded Indianapolis for a pair of games this past weekend and escaped with two shoot-out victories. On Friday night, the Gorillas won 3-2 and bounced back Saturday with a 5-4 victory

Eitienne Morin (3) and Kevin St. Jacques (7) scored Ice goals on Friday while Morin (4), St. Jacques (8), Kevin Popp (1) and Andrew Taylor (3) filled the net on Saturday.

ICE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Eitienne Morin joined the Ice two weeks into the season and has quickly become a key contributor for the Ice. Morin, netted a goal in both of Indy's games against the Gorillas. A rookie out of Colgate University, Morin skated 4 games in the ECHL before arriving in Indianapolis.

"I'm happy to be in Indianapolis and playing on a regular shift," said Morin. "I'd much rather be here and playing than be a 10th forward on an ECHL team."

Morin has made the adjustment to the professional game look easy. A captain at Colgate, Morin got his feet wet in the pro game at the end of last season by skating in four games with the New Mexico Scorpions. In his eight games donning an Ice sweater, Morin has totalled 5 points (4G, 1A).

"At this level, you can't waste your energy," said Morin. "The college game was much more dump and chase. Here, puck control and tape to tape passes are much more prevalent."

WEEK AHEAD

Indianapolis remains on home ice with a pair of games against divisional foe Fort Worth. The Brahmas and Ice will face-off Friday night at 8:00 and again on Saturday at 7:00. Both games will take place at the Pepsi Coliseum.

Central Hockey League Stories from November 16, 2002

• Shoot-outs the norm in Indianapolis - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
• Tonight's Game: San Angelo Saints at Laredo Bucks - Laredo Bucks
• Brahmas Slapshot for Sat., Nov. 16 vs. Memphis - Fort Worth Brahmas
• The Return of Swoop - El Paso Buzzards

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